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Friday, February 22, 2013

DICE has released a bunch of new details about the last Battlefield 3 DLC: End Game. The new video shows off the new bikes in the game, the new screenshots show the new maps and environments, and finally, we’ve got some more details about the DLC itself.
First of all, the End Game will feature 4 new maps. They are called Operation Riverside, Kiasar Railroad, Nebandan Flats, and Sabalan Pipeline. Two of the maps will be heavily focused on motorcycles, with several spots where players can use to make huge jumps, according to DICE. In fact, DICE dedicated a whole blog post just about the bikes and jumping ability in End Game.

So far Battlefield 3 has sold millions of copies on PC, PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360. And according to a recent job posting, EA and DICE might just bring the shooter franchise to the Mac OS X as well.
The job listing at DICE looks for a Mac OS X engineer to work on their Frostbite 2 engine, which powers Battlefield 3. If DICE is working on a Mac OS X version of Frostbite 2, it could mean that not only Battlefield 3 would be coming to Mac, but other games powered by Frostbite, such as Need For Speed The Run, and the highly disappointing Medal of Honor Warfighter.

DICE has revealed the 4 maps featured in Battlefield 3 End Game — the final BF3 DLC. The four maps are very diverse, raging from snow covered Sabalan Pipeline, to forested Kaisar Railroad, to the deserts of Nebandan Flats. All four of the new maps support the new modes, “Air Superiority” and “Capture The Flag”. In addition the maps support a variety of the old Conquest and Rush game modes. Check out the full map details from DICE after the break.

Kiasar Railroad

Map description: “This picturesque summer logging industry setting sees a strategic railway stretch across the map – with covert weapons deliveries being its main purpose. The many height changes in this undulating landscape can be used to your advantage – There’s plenty of opportunity to hide from the enemy and use cover as you approach your targets.”

Nebandan Flats

Map description: “In this arid desert dotted with gigantic wind generators lies a seemingly non-distinguishing warehouse. But behind its unassuming exterior hides a secret weapons and munitions depot, leading to a clash in the area. The relative openness of the desert setting allows for full freedom of movement for the entire range of vehicles at disposal in Battlefield 3 multiplayer. The low amount of natural cover available also demands quick transportation between capture points, as players are otherwise open to attack.”

Operation Riverside

Map description: “This fall themed map houses an electric power substation at its center, with a small river flowing along its axis. The layout of the bases in Operation Riverside caters somewhat towards infantry action rather than all-out vehicle warfare. It’s generally speaking an infantry-friendly landscape where soldiers can go by foot between the bases, while ground vehicles need to take more roundabout roads to traverse the environment.”

Salaban Pipeline

Map description: “Similar to Operation Riverside, Sabalan Pipeline was built to cater for a mix of vehicle and infantry gameplay. Compared to the other three maps in End Game, Sabalan Pipeline has fewer and narrower roads that are important to control if you want to dominate the opposition. At the center of this map lies a central base that is also an essential asset, as it allows you extended control over the road leading to and from your main bases. This is equally important whether playing the signature Battlefield Conquest mode or our take on Capture the Flag that we are introducing in End Game.”

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Battlelog is getting more and more features these days. We’ve seen the addition of live score-boards, improved server browser, custom matches, and now a brand new feature lets players select their weapon and accessory loadouts. A new tab is available in the soldier section, which lets players select the weapons, accessories, specializations, gadgets, and pretty much everything else for all classes and all vehicles. The new loadout feature works on all Battlefield 3 platforms. You can even browse what loadouts other players are using, and copy it with just one click.

There have been some rumors that Battlefield 4 could actually be set in the future, e.g. Battlefield 2143. But that appears to be less likely now, according to recent comments made by DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson. Speaking at GDC Europe, he said that they intend to stay in the modern era with Battlefield 4, saying:
“We still want to stay in this genre, the modern day as it is. We feel this is a place we can be and continue with the series. Battlefield 4 can live in this space and be very successful.”
Battlefield’s main competitor, Call of Duty, will be going futuristic this Fall with Black Ops 2, where it’s set a decade into the future. Technically, it’s not a true sci-fi shooter like Battlefield 2142 was, but it does seem like the obvious direction to take a franchise in. However, Troedsson had another quick comment about the Battlefield 4 name:
“And, yes, I know Battlefield 4 is probably the most creative name we ever could come up with. I can’t comment any more on that because it’s all secret”
His remark was a bit sarcastic, and it could indicate of a possible name change for Battlefield 4, or at least a sub title of sorts. Battlefield 4: Attack Of The EOD bots, anyone?

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Battlefield 3 was released less than a year ago, and Battlefield 4 might be just around the corner. That’s not some wild rumor coming from a crazy person, it’s actually comes from EA’s Origin service. Recently, it advertised a promo for the upcoming Medal Of Honor Warfighter, where pre-orders would receive access to the “Battlefield 4 beta”. EA has since removed the listing from Origin.

This could be just a fluke on EA’s part, of course. Last year, we spotted a “2143″ teaseron the Wake Island map, which could hint at the next Battlefield game being Battlefield 2143 instead of Battlefield 3. Either way, we’ll have to wait and see.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

EA just released their financial earnings report, where they revealed that Battlefield 3 has shipped 15 million copies, making it the best selling Battlefield title to date. That’s a good $900 million at the box office, not counting in DLC sales and sales of online passes for used games. EA expects Battlefield 3 sales to reach 18 million by the end of the fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2013. Back in February, EA reported that Battlefield 3 has sold 10 million copies.
EA CEO John Riccitiello told analysts and shareholders that Battlefield 3 has managed to eat into Call of Duty’s market share for first person shooters. Riccitiello said, “Battlefield 3 took a very significant share from the leading competitor on its way to being one of the biggest selling titles in EA history”. EA also confirmed that Battlefield 3 will see DLC releases next month, this Fall and Winter as well.